redshirt

noun

red·​shirt ˈred-ˌshərt 

: a college athlete who is kept out of varsity competition for a year in order to extend eligibility

redshirt verb

Examples of redshirt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the first time in forever, the program has a promising young quarterback in Drake Lindsey, who started every game last season as a redshirt freshman. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Anything after the four games, however, would burn a player’s redshirt. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

The move will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, pregnancy or active-duty military service. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

That means no more redshirts, no more medical waivers, no more eligibility questions. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the red jersey commonly worn by such a player in practice scrimmages against the regulars

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for redshirt

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt